A multi-technique, micrometer- to atomic-scale description of a synthetic analogue of chukanovite, Fe-2(CO3)(OH)(2)

A synthetic analogue of chukanovite Fe2(CO3)(OH) 2 is formed during experimental work on iron-clay interactions simulating the cooling of containers in radioactive waste repositories. Despite its small size and the mixture with other minerals it is undoubtedly identified by X-Ray Diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy. For the first time, the structural characterisation of a synthetic chukanovite is carried out thanks to the combination of Automated Diffraction Tomography and Precession Electron Diffraction. Refinement results and comparison with literature data show that the structure of this synthetic chukanovite is consistent with that proposed for natural chukanovite found in Dronino meteorite. © 2014 E. Schweizerbart'sche Verlagsbuchhandlung.